Kíla play two shows in one day in Westport

Emmy-award nominated band Kíla will play two concerts on Saturday next, April 28, in Westport Town Hall Theatre.

They will play a specially-designed interactive show for families and children at 2pm and then will go on to perform their own high-octane concert for music and dance lovers from 8pm.

For quite a number of years Kíla have been presenting their children's show in theatres throughout the country, the show is always jam packed. This hour-long show has children interacting with the music from the very start. Front man Rossa asks them to create an ocean soundscape for the opening melody, and as the show proceeds they clap along, dance along, and even do animal and popping noises to the music.

Says Rossa O Snódaigh of the band: "Kids love it when the band do their musical instrument acrobatics where three musicians intertwine their hands and try to play each other’s whistles or when the fiddle and mandolin player attempt the same."

A special part of the show is where they play three pieces from the multi-award winning and Oscar nominated animation Song of the Sea, which they composed music. Children are entranced to see music being performed live along to this beautifully animated film.

Kíla's unique and ever evolving sound, while rooted in tradition, is inspired by myriad musical influences world-wide. Kíla's eight members come from different musical backgrounds, including Irish traditional, classical, folk, and rock. Kíla have enjoyed collaborating with many renowned musicians and artists.

They recorded a number one single "The Ballad of Ronnie Drew" with U2, The Dubliners, Shane MacGowan, Sinead O'Connor, Glen Hansard, The Corrs, Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey, and a host of other artists with proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society.

Kíla are famed for their energetic performances and have played in more than 35 countries and their shows are a fresh blend of freewheeling instrumentals, furious jigs, and primal rhythms that transcend the traditional boundaries of Irish music.

Bristling with passion and energy, they bring audiences to their feet and keep them dancing till the end of the evening.